Seriously, what could be better than a sparkling array of lights, inflatable figures, garlands and yard ornaments that celebrate all the things of the season?

On a recent night, the family and I traveled through Lakeview en route to behold the splendid visual feast our close friends had finished at their home. And we were delightfully amazed at the great displays that shone through the neighborhood.

Not too many years past, Lakeview was an area that was on the mend from 2005.

But from the look of the lights and the words of the real estate professionals in the area, Lakeview is going strong. It continues to be a popular spot for home buyers as a place to live, raise a family and enjoy of the Crescent City’s unique neighborhoods.

With twinkling lights aglow and a nice selection of homes and properties in various price ranges, there isn’t a better time to consider Lakeview as a place to hang up your stockings and call it home.

DEMAND RUNS HIGH

The demand for homes in the area has spurred interest and shortened the amount of time a “For Sale” sign is in front of the dwelling.

“Over the last six months the Lakeview market has shown stable closed home sales across the entire Lakeview market and has shown a slight decrease in the number of properties available for sale,” notes Chip Levy of GARDNER, Realtors. “The average days on the market has decreased during the last six months of the year as compared to the previous six months.”

Other figures from the past six months show steady activity in home sales.

“We’re actually having a hard time finding available properties because they are really moving,” said Janet Favrot of COLDWELL BANKER TEC Realtors. “In the past six months, there have been 117 sold in area 61, in all different price ranges.”

Buyers looking for new construction or renovated properties will find Lakeview has both.

There are many examples of classic or traditional home styles in the area that have been renovated with the modern family in mind. Many properties boast open floorplans that are tailored for the lifestyle of the contemporary living. In some properties, that includes additional bathrooms, open kitchens with solid-surface counters and stainless appliances, and re-configured layouts with an eye toward casual living.

All this demand has marked an increase in sales and in the price per square foot.

“Approximately 115 homes sold in the (Multi-Listing Service) system in the last six months as opposed to 55 the prior six months,” noted Yvonne Miestchovich McCulla of LATTER & BLUM, Inc./Realtors. “That does not include other sales outside of the system or new homes built personally by residents.

Prices have grown with the demand.

“In the last six months, the average list price was $376,000, sold price was $364,500 with an average of $150.32 per square foot. The prior six months, the average list price was $342,200, sales price was $326,000 with $143.68 per square foot. Currently, there are 110 homes on the market with an average price of $413,700 ( $160.98 per square foot) or a median price of $380,000. The majority of those homes are between $250,000 and $749,000.”

LOOK WHO IS LOOKING

Attractive pricing, great interest rates are just part of the picture for what is drawing buyers to the area.

The strong neighborhood associations, a true “community” feel to the area and, for many, a family connection are all part of the mosaic drawing in buyers, particularly first-time buyers.

“I am noticing first-time buyers requesting to view homes in Lakeview almost every day,” notes Jodi Power of KELLER WILLIAMS Realty. “Also, there are many Lakeview ‘die hards’ from all ages and price ranges who are still trying to return to their former stomping ground. Lakeview is also requested by out-of-town buyers which means the word is out on this great area from the locals to the relocation client. The area is so inviting with a very central location lots of trees and parks, shops, great schools and restaurants.”

The restaurant assortment of the area rivals many other sections of this food-loving region. Entertainment options are growing in the neighborhood, as well. Besides dining and entertainment, retail growth offers residents a robust assortment of specialized shops and boutiques from apparel to hardware and just about everything in between. Medical services, financial and grocery have forged a strong presence in the area, offering residents close-at-hand options for many goods and services.

Those factors blend well with the rich heritage of the community activities and ambiance of Lakeview, providing residents a great assortment of events.

“There’s continuous events for all different types of interest,” said GiGi Burk of BURK BROKERAGE. “People don’t feel like they have to leave the community. There’s always activities right inside of it — they always have something going on.”

Aside from community events, civic improvements slated for the area will include improved lighting in West End Park and pedestrian walkways along the commercial corridor.

CHOICE LOCATION

Lakeview’s location makes it optimal for access to other parts of the metropolitan map.

With grand thoroughfares such as Canal Boulevard, West End Boulevard, the Interstate Highway, St. Bernard Avenue and more, access to all parts of the city is literally achieved in minutes.

From the boundaries of the area, Jefferson Parish lies next door, including the commercial hot spots in Metairie and Elmwood — again, just minutes away.

And the interstate provides ready accessibility to other sections of state, whether it be to Baton Rouge and Acadiana or on to the north shore via the Causeway, or Slidell and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

With an eclectic palette of architectural styles, Lakeview has a type of home for just about everyone.

“I have seen a big increase in activity in the past several weeks,” notes Frank Barrett of RE/MAX Real Estate Partners. “That increase is in Lakeview and Lakefront. The buyers are moving into town (transferring in), downsizing and moving up. I think that things are going to continue to be in the positive direction in 2013. Prices are good and interest rates are low. The down side is that inventory is getting low and prices are going up — downside for buyer, and upside for sellers.”